Opinion

December 29, 2023 @ 10:23 am By Omar Faridi  |  

VC firm Andreessen Horowitz has shared a comprehensive crypto-assets and blockchain ecosystem update / recap as we all get ready to enter “a new era of decentralization.” According to a16z, we keep seeing over and over again that when control of a powerful system or… Read More

December 29, 2023 @ 10:09 am By Omar Faridi  |  

In an industry that moves like no other, crypto has had “a year like no other,” according to an update from BitMEX. BitMEX, which was once the leading crypto derivatives exchange but experienced major regulatory challenges and enforcement actions a few year back, noted in… Read More

December 29, 2023 @ 9:05 am By JD Alois  |  

Barry Silbert, the founder of Grayscale, which is part of the Digital Currency Group (DCG), has resigned from his position as a board member of Grayscale. Grayscale is the sponsor of the Grayscale Bitcoin Trust (OTC:GBTC), an OTC markets traded vehicle that allows investors to… Read More

December 23, 2023 @ 4:00 am By Timothy Li  |  

The landscape of financial technology is undergoing a profound transformation, and as we stand on the cusp of 2024, it’s evident that the coming year will usher in a new era of innovation and adaptation. Here are the Top 10 Fintech Predictions for 2024 that… Read More

December 19, 2023 @ 2:06 pm By Omar Faridi  |  

Masa is launching its ZK-data network and marketplace in hopes of “building an open, secure, and incentivized economy for the world’s personal data.” The launch is slated for Q1 2024. Masa aims to finally empower people to “take back control of their data and be… Read More

December 18, 2023 @ 10:31 am By JD Alois  |  

While the Biden administration continues to tout the benefits of Bideneomics, the reality is different on Main Street. High inflation and high interest rates are having an impact on economic activity, and smaller firms are taking a hit because of it. According to a release… Read More

December 15, 2023 @ 11:49 am By JD Alois  |  

Today, the staff of the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has issued a report that reviews the definition of an Accredited Investor. In brief, an Accredited Investor is someone who earns over $200,000 a year or has a net worth of over $1 million –… Read More

December 15, 2023 @ 8:43 am By Omar Faridi  |  

As expected by most crypto industry participants, the US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has postponed its decision on whether to greenlight a spot Ethereum (ETH) exchange-traded fund (ETF), which had been proposed by Invesco and Galaxy Digital. As part of a December 13, 2023… Read More

December 14, 2023 @ 11:41 am By JD Alois  |  

In the long run, investment crowdfunding will be judged by the returns delivered to investors. As CI has consistently stated, online capital formation must work for all three constituent stakeholders in the process: Issuers (firms) must be able to raise the money they need; Platforms… Read More

December 12, 2023 @ 8:12 am By Omar Faridi  |  

Crypto exchange Binance, which recently agreed to pay a massive $4.3 billion+ as part of an unprecedented settlement with US regulators, is now preparing to leave the Russian market. The company will also end support for Ruble-based transactions due to regulatory challenges. Binance confirmed that… Read More

December 11, 2023 @ 10:17 am By Tony Zerucha  |  

The CEO of the American Fintech Council voiced his support for the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency’s recent statements on BNPL products. Phil Goldfeder said they provide clarity for banks and fintechs that offer responsible BNPL services. Goldfeder explained that responsibility includes identifying… Read More

December 11, 2023 @ 7:00 am By Howard Marks  |  

When the JOBS Act passed in 2012, and the Regulation Crowdfunding Exemption (Reg CF) was introduced in 2015, many, including myself, saw it as a step-change toward democratizing access to capital. Suddenly, founders had a new avenue to seek funding for their businesses, even those… Read More

December 8, 2023 @ 9:55 am By JD Alois  |  

This week, the Chief Executives of the largest banks in the United States visited with the US Senate Banking Committee for the Annual Oversight of Wall Street Firms. Much of the discussion revolved around the “Basel 3 End Game” (B3E) a new set of banking… Read More

December 7, 2023 @ 8:46 am By Nick Morgan  |  

With the investment crowdfunding industry surpassing the $2 billion mark and involving over 6,600 companies conducting 7,600 offerings across 580 industries, Capital Ideas checks in with Sherwood “Woodie” Neiss, one of the early architects of what evolved into Regulation Crowdfunding [Reg CF].  Among other things,… Read More

December 6, 2023 @ 4:14 pm By Omar Faridi  |  

Instant payment service FedNow offers individuals and businesses many benefits including greater efficiency, quicker access to their money, and reduced transaction costs. Yet, unlike conventional, slower payment methods, FedNow doesn’t offer any form of payment reversal or chargeback functionality. That begs the question: Will FedNow… Read More

December 5, 2023 @ 4:55 pm By JD Alois  |  

Congressman Patrick McHenry, a Republican from North Carolina and current Chairman of the House Financial Services Committee, has announced his intent not to seek re-election to the seat in Congress he has held for 20 years. In a statement posted on the Congressman’s website, he… Read More

December 4, 2023 @ 1:26 pm By JD Alois  |  

The SEC Small Business Capital Formation Advisory Committee (SBCFAC) returned to meet this past week with the definition of an Accredited Investor at the top of the list for discussion. The SBCFAC provides guidance to the Commission on issues that impact smaller firms, which frequently… Read More

December 3, 2023 @ 3:15 pm By Omar Faridi  |  

Most of the investor interest in cryptocurrencies has historically been “concentrated in the digital tokens,” according to an update shared by Anthony Pompliano, an entrepreneur focused on Bitcoin, business, finance, and technology. According to the update, retail investors were “first to the party, followed by… Read More

November 30, 2023 @ 4:58 pm By Omar Faridi  |  

We recently connected with Matthew Commons, President of the Verified USD Foundation, which aims to facilitate seamless, equitable and transparent on-chain and off-chain transactions within the Web3 ecosystem, backed by the Verified USD (USDV) stablecoin. Commons reportedly comes with more than a decade of blockchain… Read More

November 29, 2023 @ 6:48 pm By Omar Faridi  |  

The US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) is requesting the public for additional feedback regarding the proposed spot Bitcoin (BTC) exchange-traded-funds (ETFs) from Franklin Templeton and Hashdex. The SEC stated on Tuesday (November 28, 2023) that it is seeking more feedback from the public regarding… Read More